Philadelphia launches fraud-reporting app
Philadelphia residents now can report fraud through smartphone technology using a new app developed by the city. The app, “Philly WatchDog,” is the first in the nation that focuses on reporting fraudulent incidents directly to a government entity, according to City Controller Alan Butkovitz.
Philly Watchdog allows smartphone users to send reports of fraud, waste or abuse directly to Butkovitz’s Fraud Unit. The app gives the option to report incidents anonymously. A GPS feature pinpoints the incidents’ locations, and users can capture a photo, upload a stored media file or type a description of the incident. They also can call the Fraud Unit’s hotline directly. “Like any investigative unit of government, we oftentimes rely on the public to help us identify waste and fraud in city government,” Butkovitz said April 19 at a press conference to announce the app. “It is critically important for government to be on the same technological page as our citizens.”
Residents can download the Philly WatchDog app through the App store on an iPhone or iPad by searching “Philly WatchDog” or by downloading it through iTunes on any computer. Read more information on the Philly Watchdog app.